CA2947407A1

CA2947407A1 - Electrical switching apparatus, and jumper and associated method therefor

Info

Publication number: CA2947407A1
Application number: CA2947407A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Kevin L. SIPPEL; Kenneth M. Fischer
Original assignee: Eaton Corp
Current assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Ltd
Priority date: 2014-06-18
Filing date: 2015-04-13
Publication date: 2015-12-23
Anticipated expiration: 2035-04-13
Also published as: US9536680B2; CN106463293A; EP3158570A1; EP3158570B1; WO2015195192A1; US20150371790A1; MX2016016653A; CN106463293B; CA2947407C

Abstract

A jumper (100,200,300) is for an electrical switching apparatus (2,2') having a plurality of poles (6,8,10,12; 6',8',10',12'). Each of the poles (6,8,10,12; 6',8',10',12') comprises a terminal (14,16; 14',16'). The terminal (14,14') of a first one of the poles (6,6') is proximate the terminal (16,16') of a second one of the poles (8,8'). The jumper (100,200,300) includes a jumper member (102,202,302) having an attachment portion (104,204,304) and a heat sink portion (106,206,306). The attachment portion (104,204,304) is structured to electrically connect the terminal (14,14') of the first one of the poles (6,6') to the terminal of the second one of the poles (8,8'). The heat sink portion (106,206,306) includes a plurality of spaced apart heat transfer members (108,208,308) that are arranged in a plurality of rows (110,210,310) and a plurality of columns (120,220,320).

Description

2 PCT/US2015/025505 ELECTRICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS, AND JUMPER.
AND ASSOCIATED METHOD THEREFOR
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION.
This application claims priority from and claims the benefit of -U.S.
Patent Application Serial No. 14/308,169, filed June 18, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein.
:BACKGROI.T.ND
Field The disclosed concept relates generally .to electrical switching apparatus and, more particularly, to circuit interrupters, such as, for example, circuit breakers. The disclosed concept also relates to jumpers for electrical.
switching apparatus. The disclosed concept further relates to methods of making jumpers.

Background InfOrmation Circuit breakers are typically available in one-, two-, three- and four-pole construction, although larger counts of poles are possible. It is known to connect multiple poles of circuit breakers in series to provide a high voltage for a kw voltage switching and interruption device (e4; without limitation, 750 VDC; 1000 VDC;
1.500 VAC). . For .a 1000 VDC application, for example, typically multiple circuit breakers are electrically tied together. Most known existing six-pole or eight-pole air circuit breakers are designed such that the poles are electrically connected internally in breaker structures in a predetermined manner.
It is known that to obtain 'higher interruption and. voltage ratings, circuit breaker poles. an be wired in series. Nomally, cable or bus bars are electrically connected to the circuit breaker terminals, which carry the current and remove a significant amount of the heat that is generated within the breaker.
A
.conventional shorting strap, commonly referred to as a jumper., electrically connected between poles can carry the current, but does not remove much heat, resulting in relatively .high temperature rises at the circuit breaker terminals. Commonly Assigned 39 United States Patent .Application Publication No 2013/0213780 discloses an example Jumper for electrically connecting electrical switching apparatus poles.
Consumer markets demand a circuit, breaker jumper that both occupies relatively little space and operates at relatively low temperatures. The conventional -I -tradeoff in jumper design, however, is between size and thermal performance (e,g., heat transfer). That is to achieve lower operating temperatures, typically the size f the jumper must increase, and vice versa.. Stated another way, jumper designs must generally concede in one of these areas, or otherwise be cost-prohibitive.
There is room, therefore, for improvement in electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit breakers, and in jumpers and associated methods therefor, SUMMARY
These needs and others are met by embodiments of the disclosed concept, direct to a jumper and associated method for electrical switching apparatus, which among other benefits, provide both a current carrying I-Unction and a heat transfer function within a relatively small available spaCe.
in accordance with one aspect of the disclosed concept, a jumper is provided for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus comprises a plurality of poles. Each of the poles comprises a terminal. The terminal of a first one of the poles is proximate the terminal of a second one of the poles. The jumper comprises: a jumper member comprising an attachment portion and a heat sink portion, the attachment portion being structured to electrically connect the terminal of the first one of the poles to the terminal of the second one of the poles, the heat sink portion comprising a plurality of spaced apart heat transfer members. The plurality of spaced apart heat transfer members are arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns.
The jumper member may further comprise a first side, a second side disposed opposite the first side, a first end, a. second end disposed opposite.: the first end, a first edge, and a second edge disposed opposite the first edge. The attachment portion may include a first leg extending outwardly from the fast end and a second leg extending outwardly from the first end opposite and spaced from the first leg. The plurality of rows and the plurality of columns may extend outwardly from the first side between the first edge and the second edge. Each of the heat transfer members may have a width, a height and a depth. The width may be the same for all of the heat transfer members, the height may be the same for all of the heat transfer members, and the depth may be the same for all of the heat transfer members. Each one of the rows may be spaced apart the same distance from the other rows. Each one of the columns may be spaced apart the same distance from the other columns.
As another aspect of the disclosed concept, an electrical switching apparatus comprises: a plurality of poles each comprising a terminal, the terminal of a first one of the poles being proximate the terminal of a second one of the poles; and at least one jumper comprising: a jumper member comprising an attachment portion and a. heat sink portion, the attachment portion electrically connecting the terminal of the first one of the poles to the terminal of the second one of the poles, the heat sink portion comprising a plurality of spaced apart heat transfer members. The -plurality of spaced apart heat transfer members are arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality Of columns, The electrical switching apparatus may be a circuit breaker including a phaality of jumpers. Each of the jumpers may electlicallyconnect the terminals of a pair of the poles of the circuit breaker.
1 5 As a further aspect of the disclosed concept, a method of making a jumper comprises: extruding a jumper member from a single piece of electrically and thermally conductive material; and machining the jumper member to form an attachment portion and A beat sink portion. comprising a plurality of spaced apart heat transfer members arranged i.n a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns.
The method may further comprise drilling and threading the attachment ponion. The method may also comprise coating a plurality of surfaces with an electrically insulating material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DR'.AWIN GS
75 A full understanding of the disclosed concept can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure I IS an isometric partially exploded view of a circuit breaker and jumpers therefor, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed concept;
Figures 2 and 3 are front and back isometric views, respectively, of one of the jumpers of Figure I;

Figures 4 and 5 are side elevation and top plan views, respectively,: of the jumper. of Figures 2 and 3;
Figure 6 is an isometric partially exploded view of a circuit breaker and jumpers therefor, in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosed concept;
Figures 7 and 8 are front and back isometric views, respectively, of one of. the jumpers of Figure 6;
Figures 9 and 10 are side elevation and top plan views, respectively, of the jumper of Figures 7 and 8-, Figure 11 is a section view taken along line 11 ....... 11 f Figure 10;
Figure 12 is an isometric view of a jumper in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosed concept;
Figure 13 is a top plan view of the jumper of Figure 12;
Figure 14 is a section view taken along line 14-14 of Figure 13; and Figure 15 is a section view taken along line 15-15 of Figure 13, DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
It will be appreciated that although the disclosed concept is shown and described in the examples herein in association with a four-pole circuit breakerõ the disclosed concept is applicable to a wide range of electrical switching apparatus having any known or suitable plurality of poles.
As employed herein, the statement that two or more parts are "connected" or "coupled" together shall mean that the parts are joined together either directly or joined through one or more intermediate parts. Further, as employed herein, the statement that two or more parts are "attached" shall mean that the parts are joined together directly.
As employed herein, the term "fastener refers to any suitable connecting or tightening mechanism expressly including, but not limited to, screws, bolts and the combinations of bolts and nuts (g.g, without limitation, lock nuts) and bolts, washers and ts .
As employed herein, the term "number shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).

Figure 1 shows an electrical switching. apparatus 2 (e.g., without limitation, circuit breaker including a housing 4 and a plurality of poles 6,8,10,12 (four are shown) employing a pair ofjumpers 100, in accordance with a non-limitin embodiment of the disclosed concept The jumper 100 Is for electrical connection between a terminal 14 of one circuit breaker pole 6 and a terminal 16 of another circuit breaker pole 8.
In the example shown, the jwnpers 100 are designed to be bolted to the circuit breaker terminals 14,16. Portions (see, for example and without limitation:, legs 142 and 144 of attachment portion 104, described hereinbelow) may be threaded to further facilitate mechanically coupling and electrically connecting the jumpers 100 to the corresponding terminals 14,16.
In Figure 1, the poles 01 further include a number of connection members 20,22 (two are shown), which preferably cooperate with a corresponding number of suitable fasteners (not Shown, but see fasteners 290 and 292 cooperating with connection member 20 of Figure 6).
it will be appreciated that, for east of illustration and economy of disclosure, only one jumper 100 will be described in detail herein.

Referring to Figures 24, the jumper 100 includes a jumper member 102 having an attachment portion 104 and a beat sink portion 106. The attachment portion 104 is structured to electrically- connect the terminal 14 of a corresponding first one of the circuit breaker poles 6 to the terminal 16 of another one of the circuit breaker pfile$ 8,, as previously discussed hereinabove with respect to Figure.!. The heat sink portion 106 include a plurality of spaced apart heat transfer members 108.
More specifically, all of the heat transfer members 108 are spaced apart from one another. The heat transfer members 108 are arranged in a plurality- of rows 110 and a plurality of columns 120, as best shown in Figures 4 and 5, In other words, the heat transfer members 108 preferably comprise a.
plurality of spaced apart pin fins. Among other advantages, such a design allows tbr more omni-directional method to dissipate heat. That is, conventional jumper designs (not shown) employ a plurality of elongated fins that extend in one direction the entire width of the jumper parallel to and spaced from one another. Such conventional elongated fins only work effectively if they are positioned (e.g., aligned) such that the air is free to move in the exact direction in which the fins are oriented. In other words, a variety of different jumper designs must be created in which the elongated fins are disposed in different horizontal or vertical positions, depending on whether the circuit breaker is to be mounted horizontally or vertically. The "pin fin"
concept of the disclosed jumper 2 addresses and overcomes this disadvantage by allowing free flow of air in multiple directions around and through the spaced apart rows 110 and columns 120 of heat transfer members 108 (e.g., without limitation, pin fins).
Thus, a single jumper design can be employed for a variety of different circuit breaker mounting configurations.

Continuing to refer to Figures 2-5, the jumper member 102 of jumper 100 further includes first and second opposing sides 130,132, first and second opposing ends 134,136, and first and second opposing edges 138,140. The attachment portion 104 includes a first leg 142 extending outwardly from the first end 134., and a second leg 144 also extending outwardly from the first end 134 opposite=
and spaced from the first leg 142, as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 5. The plurality of rows 110 and the plurality of columns 120 (both shown in Figure 5) extend outwardly from the first side 130 between the first and second edges 138,140, as best shown in :Figure 5.

The heat sink portion 106 of the jumper member 102 of the jumper 100 preferably includes at least three rows 110 of heat transfer members 108 and at least three columns 120 of heat transfer members 108.

in the non-limiting example embodiment of Figures 1-5, the jumper member 102 includes six rows 110 of heat transfer members 108 and three columns 120 of heat transfer members 10$.

Preferably each one of the rows 110 is spaced apart the same distance 160 from the other rows 110. as best shown in Figure 5. See also rows 210 of jumper member 202, which are equally spaced a distance 260, as shown in Figure 10, and jumper member 302 of Figures 12-15 wherein the rows 310 of heat transfer members 308 are equally spaced a distance 360 (Figure 13).

Preferably each one of the columns 120 is spaced apart the same distance 162 from the other columns 120, as best shown in Figure 5. See also columns 220 of jumper member 202 of Figures 641, which are equally spaced a distance 262 (Figure 10), and columns 320 of jumper member 302 of Figures 12-15, which are equally spaced a distance 362 (Figure 13).

Referring to Figure 2, each of the heat transfer members 108 has a width 150, a height 152 and a depth 154. The width 150 is preferably the same for all of the heat transfer members 108õ the height 152 is prekTably the same for all of the heat transfer members 108, the depth 154 is preferably the same for all of the heat transfer member 108.

As best shown in Figure 3, the heat sink portion 106 of the jumper member 102 preferably further includes a plurality of elongated fins 170, which extend outwardly from the second side 132 of the jumper member 102, as shown.
Each of the elongated fins 170 preferably extends from the first edge 138 of the jumper member to the second edge 140 of the jumper member.

The jumper 100 (Figures. 1-5), 200 (Figures 6-11), 300 (Figures 12-15) preferably comprises a jumper member 102 (Figures 1-5), 202 (Figures 6,11), (Figures 12-15) made from a single piece of electrically and thermally conductive material.

In one non-till:14i g embodiment, the jumper members (e.g., 102,202)302) are made from copper or aluminum (e,g,, without limitation, 6063-1'6 altuninum), Preferably, the jumper members (eõg.,.1.02,202.302) are extruded from a single piece of such electrically and thermally conductive .material, and are machined (e.g,., without limitation, cross-hatch .machined) to form the aforementioned heat sink members 108 (Figures I-5), 208 (Figures 6-11), 308 (Figures 12-15) of the heat sink portions 106 (Figures 1-5), 206 (Figures 6-11), 306 (Figures 12-15) and attachment portions 104 (Figures 1-5), 204 (Figures 6-11), 304 (Figures 12-15), That is, the jumper members (e.g., 102,202,302) are preferably extruded, cut, drilled and/or threaded, as necessary to provide a single piece electrically and thermally conductive.
member that both performs well thermal.ly and maintains a small overall size, thereby satisfying market requirements regarding size, performance and cost.

The jumper member 102,24302. preferably further includes a plurality of surfaces coated with an electrically insulating material 180,2.80,380, as partially shown in simplified form in Figures 3, 8 and 12, respectively. For example and without limitation, such -portions can be painted black for enhanced thermal performance.

Figures 6 and 7-1.1 show another circuit breaker 2' and jumpers 200 (two are shown) therefor, in accordance with another non-limiting alternative example embodiment of the disclosed concept. The circuit breaker 2' includes a housing 4 and four poles 6,8',10%.12'. Each pole 6%8' includes a. corresponding terminal 1.4%16'.
Jumper 200 electrically connects terminal 14' of cirenit breaker pole 6' to terminal 16' of circuit breaker pole W. More specifically, a fastener 290 extends through leg 242 of extension portion 204 through terminal 14' and threads into the corresponding portion of connection member 20'. Similarly, fastener 292 extends through terminal 16' and leg 244 of the attachment portion 204 to threadingly engage another corresponding portion of the connection member 20'. in this manner, .the jumper 200 is mechanically coupled securely to the terminals 14',16': of the circuit breaker 2'.

CO1161E311114 to refer to Figures 6-11, the jumper 200 may employ a juniper member 202 having a heat sink portion 206 with four rows 210 and three columns 220 of heat transfer members 208, as shown.
The width 250, height 252 and depth 254 of each of the heat transfer members 208 (e.g., -without limitation, pin fins) may be the same for all of the heat transfer members 208.
The jumper member 202 may include a plurality of elongated -fins 270 extending outwardly from the second side 232 of the jumper member 202 between the first and second edges 238,232, as best shown in Figure 8.

Figures 12-15 show another jumper 300 in accordance with a further non-limiting alternative example embodinient in accordance with the disclosed concept The jumper member 302 of Figures 12-15 includes three rows 310 and three columns 320 of heat transfer members 308 (e.g, without limitation, pin fins).
As shown in Figure 12, each of heat transfer members 308 has a width 350, a height 352, and a depth 354. In the example shown, the dimensions of these:
parameters are the same for six of the heat transfer members 308. However, the height 352 of the other three heat transfer members 308 (see, for example, the last row 310 of heat. transfer members 308 disposed at the second end 336) is different. More specifically, whereas the other six heat transfer members 308 have a height 352 (e.g., thickness') that varies (e,g., tapers), the last row 310 of heat sink members 308, disposed at the second end 336 of the iumper member 302, all have. a constant (e.&, non-tapering) height 352 (e.g., thickness). This will be further appreciated with reference to the section views of Figures 14 and 15.
It will also be appreciated that, unlike the aforementioned jumper members 102 (Fig,ures 1-5) and 202 (Figures 6-11), in the example embodiment of Figures / 2-15, the second side 332 of the jumper member 302 dots not include any elongated fins.
It will be appreciated that the jumpers 100,200,300 could have any known or suitable alternative configuration (not. shown) consisting of a plurality of rows 110,210,310 and columns 120,220,320 of spaced apart heat transfer members 108,208,308 (e.g., without limitation, pin fins), in order to provide a jumper 100,200,300 with enhanced thermal performance (e,g,, heat transfer) while maintaining a small overall sizeõ In this manner, a single, relatively low cost jumper 100,200,300 can be made and employed in a wide variety of different electrical switching apparatus applications (e.g., without limitation, horizontally and/or vertically mounted circuit breakers 2,2). The spaced apart rows 110,210,310 and columns 120,220,320 of heat transfer members .108,208,308 establish effective airflow and, therefore, heat dissipation. This, in combination with the single piece electrically and thermally conductive material (e.g., without limitation, copper;
aluminum) construction of the jumper 100,200,300 provide for an effective yet relatively small and inexpensive design.
While specific embodiments of the disclosed concept have been described in: detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall. teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the disclosed concept which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A jumper (100,290,300) for an electrical switching apparatus (2,21, said electrical switching apparatus (2,2') comprising a plurality of poles (6,8,10,12;
6',8',10',12'), each of said poles (6,8,10,12; 6',8',10',12') comprising a terminal (14,16;
1416'), the terminal (14,14') of a first one of said poles (6,6') being proximate the terminal (16,16') of a second one of said poles (8,8'), said jumper (100,200,300) comprising:
a jumper member (102,202,302) comprising an attachment portion (104,204,304) and a heat sink portion (106,206,306), said attachment portion (104,204,304) being structured to electrically connect the terminal (14,14') of the first one of said poles (6,6') to the terminal of the second one of said poles (8,8') said heat sink portion (10,206,306) comprising a plurality of spaced apart heat transfer members (108,208,308), wherein said plurality of spaced apart heat transfer members (108,208,308) are arranged in a plurality of rows (110,210,310) and a plurality of columns (120,220,320).

2. The jumper (100,200,300) of claim 1 wherein said jumper member (102,202,302) further comprises a first side (130,230,330), a second side (132,232,332) disposed opposite the first side (130,230,330), a first end (134,234,334), a second end (136,236,336) disposed opposite the first end (134,234,134), a first edge (138,238,338), and a second edge (140,240,340) disposed opposite the fast edge (138,238,338); wherein said attachment portion includes (104,204,304) a first leg (142,242,342) extending outwardly from the first end (134,234,334) and a second leg (144,244,344) extending outwardly from the first end (134,234,334) opposite and spaced from the first leg (142,242,342); wherein said plurality of rows (110,210,310) and said plurality of columns (120,220,320) extends outwardly from the first side (130,230,330) between the first edge (138,238,338) and the second edge (140,240,340).

3. The jumper (100,200,300) of claim 2 wherein each of said heat transfer members (108,208,308) has a width (150,250,350), a height (152,252,352) and a depth (154,254,354); wherein the width (150,250,350) is the same for all of said heat transfer members (108,208,308); wherein the height (152,252,352) is the same for all of said heat transfer members (108,208,308); and wherein the depth (154,254,354) is the range for all of said heat transfer members (108,,208,308).

4. The juniper (100,200,300) of claim 2 wherein said plurality of rows is at least three rows (110,210,310); and wherein said plurality of columns is at least three columns (120,220,320).

5. The jumper (100,200,300) of claim 4 wherein each one of said rows (110,210,310) is spaced apart the same distance (160,260,360) from the other rows;
and wherein each one of said columns (120,220,320) is spaced apart the same distance (162,262,362) from the other columns.

6. The jumper (100,200) of claim 2 wherein said jumper member (102,202) further comprises a plurality of elongated fins (170,270) extending outwardly from the second side (132,232); and wherein each of said elongated fins (170,270) extends from the first edge (138,238) to the second edge (146,246).

7.The jumper (100,2.00,300) of claim 1 wherein said jumper member (102,202,302) is a single piece of electrically and thermally conductive material.

8. The jumper (100,200,300) of claim 1 wherein said jumper member further comprises a plurality of surfaces coated with an electrically insulating material (180,280,380) thereon.

9. An e electricaI switching apparatus (2) comprising:
a plurality of poles (6,8,10,12; 6',10',12') each comprising a terminal (14,16; 14',16'), the terminal (14,14') of a first one of said poles (6,6') being proximate the terminal (16,16') of a second one of said poles (8,8'); and at least one jumper (100,200,300) according:to any of Claims 1-8,

10. The electrical switching apparatus (2,2') of claim 9 wherein said poles (6,8,10,12; 6',8',10',12') further comprise a number of connection members (20,20',22); wherein said at least one jumper (100,200,300) further comprises a number of fasteners (290,292); and wherein each of said fasteners (290,292) fastens a portion of said attachment portion (104,204,304) to a corresponding one of said connection members (20'),

11. The electrical switching apparatus (2,2`) of claim 9 wherein said electrical switching apparatus (2,2') is a circuit breaker; wherein said at least one jumper (100,200,300) is a plurality of jumpers; and wherein each of said plurality of jumpers (100.200,300) electrically connects the terminals (14,14'; 16,') of a pair of said poles (6,8; 6',,8') of said circuit breaker (2,2').

12. A method of making a jumper (100,200,300) comprising:
extruding a jumper member (102,202,302) from a single piece of electrically and thermally conductive material; and machining the jumper member (102,202,302) to form an attachment portion (104,204,304) and a heat sink portion (106,206,306) comprising a plurality of spaced apart beat transfer members (108,208,308) arranged in a plurality of rows (110,210,310) and a plurality of columns (120,220,320).

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising drilling and threading said attachment portion (104,204,304).

14, The method of claim 12 further comprising coating a plurality of surfaces with an electrically insulating material (180,280,380).